R&D: Measurement of Sperm DNA Integrity

What is Sperm DNA Damage (SDD)?

The only function of a sperm cell is to deliver its precious DNA to the egg cell upon fertilization. The combined DNA from both parents will then provide the genetic blueprint and makeup of your child. Unfortunately, while sperm cells are developing and are in storage, the DNA they contain can be easily damaged. Although damage to sperm DNA can mostly be repaired by the egg, if there has been excessive damage or the egg is not of optimal quality, a successful fertilization may not ensue. Even if fertilization is successful, the prevalence of SDD puts you and your partner at a higher risk for the resulting pregnancy to be unsuccessful, or for the incorrect transmission of the genetic code to the next generation.​

How do I know if I have SDD?

The best way to tell whether you have SDD is through a diagnostic test for DNA integrity. Even if you have already had a semen analysis performed, a DNA integrity test could tell you more about the quality of your sperm, since DNA damage is not always accompanied by reduced motility, concentration, or abnormal morphology.

What does the SCSA test measure?

The SCSA test measures your sperm cells’ DNA Fragmentation Index, or %DFI. The %DFI tells you the percentage of your sperm cells that contain measurable DNA strand breaks, which are commonly caused by Sperm Oxidative Stress. The quality of your sperm is categorized by your %DFI:​

≤15% DFI: Excellent to Good Sperm DNA Integrity

>15% to <25% DFI: Good to Fair Sperm DNA Integrity

≥25% to <50% DFI: Fair to Poor Sperm DNA Integrity

≥50% DFI: Very Poor Sperm DNA Integrity

How do we treat SDD?

​SDD cannot be treated directly. However, it can be substantially prevented by a change of lifestyle factors or with a course of natural antioxidants that are normally present in fertile men. We recommend both approaches before attempting to conceive.

How do I know which Fertilix® formulation is right for me?

The results of your SCSA test will determine which Fertilix® formulation is right for you. Use the following guidelines to choose your formulation:

A second SCSA test is recommended to those patients with DFI greater than 25% to confirm their treatment has been effective.

​It is important to know the following facts before ordering such a test:

Although SCSA will accurately evaluate the quality of your sperm DNA, it can only provide an estimate of the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and does not provide a simple yes or no answer. This is in part because the fertility of the female partner will play a critical role in achieving a healthy pregnancy. For example, a female partner with tubal factor subfertility will have a lower chance of a healthy pregnancy, even if the quality of the sperm DNA is excellent.